Qatar PM: Israeli Strike Has Ended Hopes for Hostage Release
In this framegrab taken from video Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani addresses the press in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday Sept. 9, 2025, (AP Photo)
Qatar’s prime minister has issued a strong condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an airstrike in Doha that killed six Hamas members involved in ceasefire negotiations, according to The Guardian. The strike, which took place on Tuesday, targeted Hamas representatives engaged in talks mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and other Gulf nations.
In an interview with CNN, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani called the Israeli action an act of “state terror,” claiming it “killed any hope” for the remaining hostages in Gaza. One member of Qatar’s own security forces was also reportedly killed in the strike.
The international backlash was swift, including a rare public rebuke from the White House. In response, Netanyahu doubled down, accusing Qatar of sheltering terrorists. “I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists: you either expel them or bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will,” Netanyahu warned.
According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. President Trump had a “heated” phone call with Netanyahu on Tuesday, expressing anger over both the strike and the lack of prior notice to Washington. Netanyahu reportedly defended the operation by saying he had to act quickly during a brief window of opportunity. A second call between the two leaders was described as more measured, with Trump reportedly asking whether the strike had achieved its objectives.
Qatar is now re-evaluating its role as a mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks. Al-Thani voiced frustration, suggesting that Israel’s actions had seriously undermined diplomatic progress. “He [Netanyahu] needs to be brought to justice,” he said, adding that the families of hostages had placed their hopes in Qatar’s mediation. He also hinted that Qatar may take retaliatory action against Israel, Fox News reports.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed Netanyahu’s tough stance, vowing to pursue those behind Hamas’s October 2023 attack “anywhere.” Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. also indicated that similar operations could continue if deemed necessary.
Hamas claimed that its top leaders survived the strike, though five lower-ranking officials were killed.
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